U.S. patent number 8,811,005 [Application Number 13/492,729] was granted by the patent office on 2014-08-19 for clutch features of a portable computing device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Matthew P. Casebolt, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith. Invention is credited to Matthew P. Casebolt, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith.
United States Patent |
8,811,005 |
Casebolt , et al. |
August 19, 2014 |
Clutch features of a portable computing device
Abstract
A portable computing device can include one or more clutch
assemblies that can include a conductive elastomer configured to
contact at least a portion of the clutch assembly of the portable
computing device. The conductive elastomer can be configured to
also contact at least one region of the base portion of the
portable computing device. In one embodiment, the conductive
elastomer can be disposed on the clutch assembly. The conductive
elastomer can enhance an electrical coupling between two or more
regions of the base portion, especially in the region near the
conductive elastomer and the clutch assembly. The enhanced coupling
can increase a performance of an electrical shield provided by the
two or more regions of the base portion.
Inventors: |
Casebolt; Matthew P. (Fremont,
CA), Reid; Gavin J. (Campbell, CA), Schwalbach; Charles
A. (Menlo Park, CA), Smith; Brandon S. (Mountain View,
CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Casebolt; Matthew P.
Reid; Gavin J.
Schwalbach; Charles A.
Smith; Brandon S. |
Fremont
Campbell
Menlo Park
Mountain View |
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Apple Inc. (Cupertino,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
49714380 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/492,729 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20130327556 A1 |
Dec 12, 2013 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.28;
345/107; 312/319.6; 174/73.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
1/1656 (20130101); G06F 1/1681 (20130101); G06F
1/1616 (20130101); Y10T 16/554 (20150115); Y10T
29/49817 (20150115); Y10T 29/49826 (20150115); H01R
2201/06 (20130101); H01R 13/2414 (20130101); H01R
35/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
1/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;312/223.1,223.2,319.6,334.1,323,293.1,237,319.2,231.1,231.2,245,265.6
;361/679.36,679.55,679.28,679.09,679.02,679.27,679.54,679.11,679.47,679.15,679.01,679.08,679.17,679.22,679.23,679.24,679.25,679.26,679.33,679.48
;174/82,74R,70R,111FF,117R,5R,19,73.1
;345/156,179,183,659,107,905,161,173,175,168,212,169,101
;248/70,206.5,301,541,311.2 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Duong; Hung
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A clutch assembly configured for pivotally connecting a lid to a
base portion of a portable computing device, comprising: a
cylindrical portion comprising: an annular outer region; and a
central bore region configured to provide support for electrical
conductors between the base portion and the lid; at least one
fastening region configured to couple the clutch assembly to the
base portion; and a conductive elastomer disposed on the clutch
assembly configured to contact the clutch assembly and at least one
region of the base portion, wherein the conductive elastomer forms
a conductive path between the clutch assembly and the at least one
region of the base portion.
2. The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the conductive elastomer
is formed, at least in part, from a silver loaded silicone.
3. The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the conductive elastomer
further comprises a cavity configured to conform to at least part
of the clutch assembly.
4. The clutch assembly of claim 3, wherein the conductive elastomer
is configured to attach to the clutch assembly with adhesive.
5. The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the conductive elastomer
is configured to be deformed within the base.
6. The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the conductive elastomer
further comprises a first lobe including a first contact surface
configured to conform to at least a portion of the clutch
assembly.
7. The clutch assembly of claim 6, wherein the first lobe further
comprises a second contact surface configured to conform to at
least the one region of the base portion.
8. The clutch assembly of claim 7, wherein the conductive elastomer
further comprises a second lobe configured to include a third
contact surface configured to conform to at least a portion of the
clutch assembly.
9. The clutch assembly of claim 8, wherein the second lobe further
comprises a fourth contact surface configured to conform to at
least a second region of the base portion.
10. A conductive elastomer, comprising: a cavity configured to
conform to at least a first portion of a clutch assembly; a first
lobe configured to electrically couple the clutch assembly to at
least one region of a base portion of a portable computing device;
and a conductive adhesive configured to affix the conductive
elastomer to the clutch assembly.
11. The conductive elastomer of claim 10 wherein the conductive
elastomer further comprises silver loaded silicone.
12. The conductive elastomer of claim 10, wherein the first lobe
includes a first surface configured to conform to a portion of the
clutch assembly.
13. The conductive elastomer of claim 10, wherein the first lobe
further includes a second surface configured to conform to the base
portion.
14. A method for enhancing an electrical coupling between a top
case and a bottom case of base portion of a portable computing
device, the method comprising: providing an anodized aluminum top
case and bottom case; coupling a clutch assembly to the top case;
affixing a conductive elastomer to the clutch assembly; enhancing
the conductivity of at least one region of the bottom case; and
affixing the bottom case to the top case, wherein the bottom case
contacts and deforms the conductive elastomer.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the enhancing the conductivity
of at least one region of the bottom case includes removing an
anodization layer in at least one region.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the affixing the conductive
elastomer includes applying a conductive adhesive to the conductive
elastomer to secure the conductive elastomer to the clutch
assembly.
17. A conductive end cap for a portable computing device,
comprising: a first surface configured to contact a first region of
a base portion of the portable computing device; and a second
surface configured to contact a second region of the base portion,
wherein the conductive end cap is configured enhance an electrical
coupling between the first region and second region of the base
portion and reduce the visibility of internal components from
outside the base portion.
18. The conductive end cap of claim 17 wherein the conductive end
cap includes silver loaded silicone.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to portable computing
devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to
clutch features of portable computing devices configured to allow
increased electrical shielding.
BACKGROUND
A portable computing device can include an enclosure configured to
contain the various components that make up the device. A typical
computing device can include a central processing unit, a mass
storage device, a display and still other electrical devices. Each
electrical device can also generate electrical noise. The emission
and conduction of electrical noise (often referred to as
electromagnetic radiation, or EMI) is commonly monitored and
regulated by regional agencies.
The enclosure of the portable computing device can be a first line
of defense in the battle of EMI reduction. If there are any poor
electrical couplings between two or more parts that make up the
enclosure of the portable computing device, then EMI noise can
sometimes more readily escape, especially in those regions.
Therefore, what is needed is a way to reduce unwanted electrical
noise from components within a portable computing device,
particularly in targeted regions of the enclosure.
SUMMARY
The present application describes various embodiments regarding
systems and methods for reducing EMI interference and/or emissions
by enhancing an electrical coupling of two or more portions of a
base portion of a portable computing device in a region near a
clutch assembly. In one embodiment, a clutch assembly can include a
cylindrical portion comprising an annular outer region and a
central bore region, a fastening region and a conductive elastomer
that can be disposed on the clutch assembly and configured to
enhance an electrical contact between the clutch assembly and at
least one portion of the base portion.
A conductive elastomer is disclosed. The conductive elastomer can
include a cavity to conform to at least one portion of the clutch
assembly and a first lobe that is configured to couple the clutch
assembly to a region of the base portion of the portable computing
device. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer can include
silver loaded silicone material.
A method is disclosed for enhancing an electrical coupling between
top case and bottom case portions of a base portion of a portable
computing device. The method can include the steps of receiving the
top case and bottom case, coupling a clutch assembly to the top
case, attaching a conductive elastomer to the clutch assembly,
preparing the bottom case to enhance conductivity and attaching the
bottom case to the top case.
A conductive end cap for a portable computing device can enhance an
electrical coupling between parts of a base of a portable computing
device and reduce the visibility of internal components of the
portable computing device from outside the device.
Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only
to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the
disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for providing portable
computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in
form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in
the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. The embodiments will be readily understood by the
following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural
elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of
the portable computing device in the form of portable computing
device in an open (lid) state.
FIG. 2 shows portable computing device in a closed (lid)
configuration that shows rear cover and logo.
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the portable computing device in
the form of portable computing device also in the open state.
FIG. 4 shows an external view of bottom case.
FIG. 5 shows integrated support system in accordance with the
described embodiments.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of the clutch bolt zone accordance with
one embodiment of the specification.
FIGS. 7A-7D are views of a conductive elastomer configured to
enhance the electrical coupling between the two piece case of
portable computing device.
FIG. 8 is another illustration of the clutch zone in accordance
with one embodiment of the specification.
FIG. 9 is a cross section view (A-A) from FIG. 8, with bottom case
affixed to top case.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart of method steps for enhancing the
electrical coupling between a top case and a bottom case of a
portable computing device.
FIG. 11 is another illustration of the clutch zone in accordance
with one embodiment of the specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to
the presently described embodiments are provided in this section.
These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in
the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the presently described
embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific
details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been
described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
presently described embodiments. Other applications are possible,
such that the following examples should not be taken as
limiting.
The following relates to a portable computing device such as a
laptop computer, net book computer, tablet computer, etc. The
portable computing device can include a multi-part housing having a
top case and a bottom case joining at a reveal to form a base
portion. The portable computing device can have an upper portion
(or lid) that can house a display screen and other related
components whereas the base portion can house various processors,
drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touchpad and the like. The base
portion can be formed of a multipart housing that can include top
and bottom outer housing components each of which can be formed in
a particular manner at an interface region such that the gap and
offset between these outer housing components are not only reduced,
but are also more consistent from device to device during the mass
production of devices. These general subjects are set forth in
greater detail below.
In a particular embodiment, the lid and base portion can be
pivotally connected with each other by way of what can be referred
to as a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly can be arranged to
pivotally couple the base portion to the lid. The clutch assembly
can include at least a cylindrical portion that in turn includes an
annular outer region, and a central bore region surrounded by the
annular outer region, the central bore suitably arranged to provide
support for electrical conductors between the base portion and
electrical components in the lid. The clutch assembly can also
include a plurality of fastening regions that couple the clutch to
the base portion and the lid of the portable computing device with
at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with
the cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are
minimized.
The multipart housing can be formed of a strong and durable yet
lightweight material. Such materials can include composite
materials and or metals such as aluminum. Aluminum has a number of
characteristics that make it a good choice for the multipart
housing. For example, aluminum is a good electrical conductor that
can provide good electrical ground and it can be easily machined
and has well known metallurgical characteristics. The superior
conductivity of aluminum provides a good chassis ground for
internal electrical components arranged to fit and operate within
the housing. The aluminum housing also provides a good
electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield protecting sensitive
electronic components from external electromagnetic radiation as
well as reducing electromagnetic radiation emanating from the
portable computing device. In one aspect of the provided
embodiments, the computing device takes the form of a laptop
computer.
The base portion can include a top case and a bottom case formed of
conductive material. In one embodiment, the base portion can
include a conductive elastomer configured to improve electrical
coupling between the top case and the bottom case in at least one
region. Improving electrical coupling between the top case and the
bottom case can improve EMI shield performance.
These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to
FIGS. 1-11. However, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect
to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention
extends beyond these limited embodiments.
FIGS. 1-11 show various views of the portable computing device in
accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 1 shows a front facing
perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device
in the form of portable computing device 100 in an open (lid)
state. Portable computing device 100 can include base portion 102
formed of bottom case 104 fastened to top case 106. Base portion
102 can be pivotally connected to lid portion 108 by way of clutch
assembly 110 hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Base portion 102
can have an overall uniform shape sized to accommodate clutch
assembly 110 and inset portion 112 suitable for assisting a user in
lifting lid portion 108 by, for example, a finger. Top case 106 can
be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as
keyboard 114 and touchpad 116. Keyboard 114 can include a plurality
of low profile keycap assemblies each having an associated key pad
118. In one embodiment, an audio transducer (not shown) can use
selected portions of keyboard 114 to output audio signals such as
music. In the described embodiment, a microphone can be located at
a side portion of top case 106 that can be spaced apart to improve
frequency response of an associated audio circuit.
Each of the plurality of key pads 118 can have a symbol imprinted
thereon for identifying the key input associated with the
particular key pad. Keyboard 114 can be arranged to receive a
discrete input at each keypad using a finger motion referred to as
a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key
pad can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and
durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application
of keystrokes over the life of portable computing device 100. In
order to reduce component count, a keycap assembly can be
re-provisioned as a power button. For example, key pad 118-1 can be
used as power button 118-1. In this way, the overall number of
components in portable computing device 100 can be commensurably
reduced.
Touch pad 116 can be configured to receive finger gesturing. A
finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger
applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger
touch event such as a swipe or a tap. The gesture can be sensed by
a sensing circuit in touch pad 116 and converted to electrical
signals that are passed to a processing unit for evaluation. In
this way, portable computing device 100 can be at least partially
controlled by touch.
Lid portion 108 can be moved with the aid of clutch assembly 110
from the closed position to remain in the open position and back
again. Lid portion 108 can include display 120 and rear cover 122
(shown more clearly in FIG. 2) that can add a cosmetic finish to
lid portion 108 and also provide structural support to at least
display 120. In the described embodiment, lid portion 108 can
include mask (also referred to as display trim) 124 that surrounds
display 120. Display trim 124 can be formed of an opaque material
such as ink deposited on top of or within a protective layer of
display 120. Display trim 124 can enhance the overall appearance of
display 120 by hiding operational and structural components as well
as focusing attention onto the active area of display 120.
Display 120 can display visual content such as a graphical user
interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items
such as movies. Display 120 can display images using any
appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD),
OLED, etc. Portable computing device 100 can also include image
capture device 126 located on a transparent portion of display trim
124. Image capture device 126 can be configured to capture both
still and video images. Lid portion 108 can be formed to have
uni-body construction that can provide additional strength and
resiliency to lid portion 108 which is particularly important due
to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition
to the increase in strength and resiliency, the uni-body
construction of lid portion 108 can reduce overall part count by
eliminating separate support features.
Data ports 128-132 can be used to transfer data and/or power
between an external circuit(s) and portable computing device 100.
Data ports 128-132 can include, for example, input slot 128 that
can be used to accept a memory card (such as a FLASH memory card),
data ports 130 and 132 can take be used to accommodate data
connections such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and so on. In some
embodiments, speaker grid 134 can be used to port audio from an
associated audio component enclosed within base portion 102.
FIG. 2 shows portable computing device 100 in a closed (lid)
configuration that shows rear cover 122 and logo 202. In one
embodiment, logo 202 can be illuminated by light from display 120.
It should be noted that in the closed configuration, lid portion
108 and base portion 102 form what appears to be a uniform
structure having a continuously varying and coherent shape that
enhances both the look and feel of portable computing device
100.
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment in the form of portable computing
device 300 that is smaller than portable computing device 100.
Since portable computing device 300 is smaller in size than
portable computing device 100, certain features shown in FIG. 1 are
modified, or in some cases lacking, in portable computing device
300. For example, base portion 302 can be reduced in size such that
separate speakers (such as speaker grid 134) are replaced with an
audio port embodied as part of keyboard 114. However, bottom case
304 and top case 306 can retain many of the features described with
regards to portable computing device 100 (such as display 120
though reduced to an appropriate size).
FIG. 4 shows an external view of bottom case 104 showing relative
positioning of support feet 402, insert 112, cosmetic wall 404 that
can be used to conceal clutch assembly 110 and fasteners 406 used
to secure bottom case 104 and top case 106 together. Support feet
402 can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as
plastic. Also in view are multi-purpose front side sequentially
placed vents 408 and 410 that can be used to provide a flow of
outside air that can be used to cool internal components. In the
described embodiment, vents 408 and 410 can be placed on an
underside of top cover 106 in order to hide the vents from view as
well as obscure the view of an interior of portable computing
device 100 from the outside. Vents 408 and 410 can act as a
secondary air intake subordinate to primary air intake vents
located at a rear portion of portable computing device 100
(described below). In this way, vents 408 and 410 can help to
maintain an adequate supply of cool air in those situations where
portions of the rear vents are blocked or otherwise have their air
intake restricted.
Vents 408 and 410 can also be used to output audio signals in the
form of sound generated by an audio module (not shown). In one
embodiment, a selected portion (such as portions 412 and 414) can
be used to output sound at a selected frequency range in order to
improve quality of an audio presentation by portable computing
device 100. Vents 408 and 410 can be part of an integrated support
system in that vents 408 and 410 can be machined from the outside
and cut from the inside during fabrication of top case 106. As part
of the machining of vents 408 and 410, stiffener ribs 418 can be
placed within vent openings 408 and 410 to provide additional
structural support for portable computing device 100. Stiffener
ribs 418 can be formed using what is referred to as a T cutter that
removes material subsequent to the formation of the vent openings
during the fabrication of top case 106.
FIG. 5 shows integrated support system 500 in accordance with the
described embodiments. In order to enhance the structural
integrity, reduce bowing, and improve resistance to infrequent but
potentially damaging events such as being dropped, top case 106 can
be fabricated to include integrated support system 500. Top case
106 can include clutch bolt zone 510. In one embodiment, stresses
imparted to a clutch assembly affixed in the region of clutch bolt
zone 510 can be advantageously distributed throughout regions in
top case 106 through integrated support system 500.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of clutch bolt zone 510 accordance with
one embodiment of the specification. Clutch bolt zone 510 shows an
exemplary clutch assembly 630 affixed to top case 106 with screws
620. In other embodiments, clutch assembly 630 can be attached with
rivets, other fasteners, adhesives or clutch assembly 630 can be
welded to top case 106. In some embodiments, electrical noise can
be present in top case 106 near clutch assembly 630. Electrical
noise can be attenuated, at least to some degree, by forming a
shield (such as a Faraday cage) in an area near clutch assembly
630. Top case 106 and bottom case 104 can form such a shield when
the top case 106 and bottom case 104 are made from conductive
material or the case material made conductive through conductive
paints or liners. Additionally, top case 106 and bottom case 104
can be coupled to ground (signal or chassis) to enhance the
performance of the EMI shield.
Although top case 106 and bottom case 104 are formed of conductive
material, increasing electrical coupling between top and bottom
cases 106, 104 can further enhance shielding properties. In one
embodiment, a conductive elastomer can be used to enhance the
electrical coupling between top case 106 and bottom case 104 by
providing an electrical path through clutch assembly 630.
FIGS. 7A-7D are views of a conductive elastomer configured to
enhance the electrical coupling between the two piece case of
portable computing device 100. The conductive elastomer can be
affixed to one of the case pieces, or to an assembly that is in
turn affixed to one of the case pieces. In one embodiment, the
conductive elastomer can be formed from a silver loaded silicone.
In another embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be formed from
styrene, nitrile, neoprene or other compliant material that can be
made conductive with an addition silver, copper, aluminum or any
other technically feasible material. The selected materials forming
the conductive elastomer provide a solid yet compliant elastomer
that can deform at least partially when compressed. In one
embodiment, the deformation can allow the elastomer to better
conform to parts such as the clutch assembly 630 and bottom case
104.
FIG. 7A is a bottom view of one embodiment of a conductive
elastomer 700. The conductive elastomer 700 can include a first
lobe 701, a second lobe 702 and a cavity 710. The first 701 and
second 702 lobes can each include two contact surfaces. As shown,
first lobe 701 can have a bottom contact surface 705 and second
lobe 702 can have a bottom contact surface 706. In one embodiment,
the bottom contact surfaces 705, 706 can be configured to make
electrical contact with clutch assembly 630. For example, the
bottom contact surfaces 705, 706 can be shaped to closely align
with clutch assembly 630 features and maximize contact surface area
between clutch assembly 630 and the conductive elastomer 700.
Cavity 710 can be configured to allow conductive elastomer 700 to
fit closely and conform to clutch assembly 630. In one embodiment,
cavity 710 can allow one or more mounting screws for clutch
assembly 630 to protrude into the conductive elastomer 700. In one
embodiment, an adhesive can be placed into cavity 710 to affix
conductive elastomer 700 to the clutch assembly. In yet another
embodiment, the adhesive can be electrically conductive.
FIG. 7B is a top view of conductive elastomer 700. First lobe 701
can include top contact surface 720 and second lobe 702 can include
top contact surface 721. The top contact surfaces 720, 721 can be
configured to contact the bottom case 104 when attached to the top
case 106. In one embodiment, top contact surfaces 720, 721 can be
shaped to closely align with portions of the bottom case 106 that
can contact conductive elastomer 700.
FIG. 7C is a bottom view of another embodiment of a conductive
elastomer 730. Conductive elastomer 730 includes only first lobe
701. This simplified embodiment can still provide enhanced
electrical coupling between top case 106 and bottom case 104.
Bottom contact surface 705 is shown on underside of first lobe 701.
Conductive elastomer 730 can also include cavity 710 to accommodate
mounting screws or other mechanical features near clutch assembly
630. In one embodiment, cavity 710 can include an adhesive to mount
and stabilize conductive elastomer 730 with respect to the clutch
assembly 630. FIG. 7D is a top view of conductive elastomer 730.
First lobe 701 can include top contact surface 720. Top contact
surface 720 can be configured to contact the bottom case 104 as
described above.
In one embodiment, a conductive elastomer can be affixed to and
contact clutch assembly 630. When bottom case 104 is attached to
the top case 106, the conductive elastomer can contact bottom case
104 enhancing an electrical connection between top case 104 and
bottom case 106 in an area near the conductive elastomer. In
embodiments where at least one of top case 106 and bottom case 104
are coupled to ground, the conductive elastomer can improve the
electrical coupling between top case 106 and bottom case 104 to
ground thereby improving EMI shielding, at least in the area of the
conductive elastomer.
FIG. 8 is another illustration of clutch zone 510 in accordance
with one embodiment of the specification. As shown, conductive
elastomer 730 is affixed to clutch assembly 630. First lobe 701 can
be positioned over clutch assembly 630 such that bottom contact
surface 705 can contact clutch assembly 630 and form an electrical
path. First lobe 701 can be configured to only contact non-moving
portions of clutch assembly 630. This configuration can
advantageously reduce wear on conductive elastomer 730. Top contact
surface 720 can be configured to contact bottom case 104 as bottom
case 104 is affixed to top case 106 completing the electrical path
between top case 106 and bottom case 104. In other words, an
enhanced electrical path is formed from bottom case 104, through
conductive elastomer 730, through clutch assembly 630 to top case
104.
FIG. 9 is a cross section view 900 (A-A) from FIG. 8, with bottom
case 104 affixed to top case 106. Clutch assembly 630 is shown
affixed to top case 106 by screws 620. Conductive elastomer 930 can
be configured such that bottom contact 905 comes into direct
contact with clutch assembly 630. Top contact 920 can come into
direct contact with bottom case 104. In one embodiment, conductive
elastomer 930 can deform as bottom case 104 is affixed to top case
106. Shield performance of top case 106 and bottom case 104 can be
enhanced especially in the region near clutch assembly 630 by
conductive elastomer 930 providing an enhanced electrical coupling
between bottom case 104 and top case 106. In some embodiments,
bottom case 104 can be prepared in advance of affixing to top case
106. Bottom case 104 can be anodized aluminum. Although aluminum is
a good electrical conductor, the anodization layer can act as an
insulator. One preparation step can include removing the
anodization layer in at least the region in contact with top
contact 920. In one embodiment, the anodization layer can be
removed with a laser.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart of method steps 1000 for enhancing the
electrical coupling between a top case 106 and a bottom case 104 of
a portable computing device 100. Persons skilled in the art will
understand that any system configured to perform the method steps
in any order is within the scope of this description. The method
begin in step 1002 when the top case 106 and bottom case 104 of the
portable computing device 100 is received. In one embodiment, the
top case 106 and bottom case 104 can be formed from anodized
aluminum. In step 1004, clutch assembly 630 can be affixed to top
case 106. In one embodiment, clutch assembly 630 can be affixed
with screws 620 to top case 106. In step 1006, conductive elastomer
730 can be affixed to clutch assembly 630. In one embodiment, an
adhesive can be disposed in cavity 710 to help secure conductive
elastomer 730 to clutch assembly 630. In step 1008, the
conductivity of the bottom case can be enhanced. In one embodiment,
an anodization layer can be removed from at least one region of
bottom case 104 to improve an electrical connection between bottom
case 104 and conductive elastomer 730. In step 1010, bottom case
104 can be attached to top case 106 and the method ends.
FIG. 11 is another illustration of the clutch zone 510 in
accordance with one embodiment of the specification. End cap 1110
can improve cosmetic appearance to portable computing device 100 by
reducing the visibility of clutch assembly 630 and other internal
parts from outside portable computing device 100. In one
embodiment, end cap 1110 can be made conductive and be made to
enhance the electrical coupling between top case 106 and bottom
case 104. For example, end cap 1110 can be formed from a conductive
elastomer similar to conductive elastomer 730 and can be designed
to contact and deform slightly as bottom case 104 is attached to
top case 106. The deformation can help enhance the conductivity
between end cap 1110 and top case 106 and bottom case 104 and
therefore enhance shield performance of top and bottom cases 106,
104 respectively. In one embodiment, end cap 1110 can include a
first surface 1112 configured to contact bottom case 104 and a
second surface 1114 configured to contact top case 106. In one
embodiment, end cap 1110 can be affixed to top case 106 with a
screw, rivet or any other technically feasible approach.
Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by
way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and
understanding, it will be recognized that the above described
invention may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and
embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications
may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to
be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by
the scope of the appended claims.
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